Prague Itinerary: 7-Day Central Europe City Guide

Quick answer

Seven days in Prague allows for a deep exploration of the historic center (Staré Město, Malá Strana, Hradčany) and two day trips to the Central Bohemian countryside. Budget approximately 2,500 CZK to 3,500 CZK ($110–$150 USD) per person per day for mid-range accommodation and meals. A 72-hour transport pass costs 330 CZK ($14 USD), providing unlimited access to trams, buses, and the metro.

Trip summary

• Duration: 7 Days
• Ideal Traveller: History enthusiasts and walkers who prefer architectural diversity and walkable city centers.
• Pace: Moderate. Expect 10,000 to 15,000 steps per day.
• Approximate Daily Budget: 2,800 CZK ($120 USD).
• Best Season: May, June, or September for mild weather (15°C–22°C) and manageable crowds.

Day 1: Old Town and Jewish Quarter

Morning: Start at Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) to see the Astronomical Clock strike on the hour. Walk 5 minutes to the Jewish Quarter (Josefov) to visit the Pinkas Synagogue and the Old Jewish Cemetery. Purchase the Jewish Museum in Prague combined ticket (approx. 550 CZK).

Afternoon: Walk 10 minutes to the Municipal House (Obecní dům) for a guided tour of Art Nouveau interiors. Continue through the Powder Tower to Celetná Street.

Evening: Walk 15 minutes to the Vltava riverbank near Čechův Bridge for a sunset view. Dine at Lokál Dlouhááá for traditional Svíčková (beef in cream sauce).

Transport: Walking only. Walking load: 6-8km. Sequence logic: These sites are geographically clustered in Prague 1, allowing for a vehicle-free introduction to the city's oldest core.

Day 2: Prague Castle and Hradčany

Morning: Take Tram 22 to Pražský hrad. Explore St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane. The 'Prague Castle - Main Circuit' ticket costs 450 CZK.

Afternoon: Walk 5 minutes from the castle exit to the Strahov Monastery Library. Visit the Philosophical and Theological Halls. Walk down through the Petřín Hill orchards towards the Hunger Wall.

Evening: Descend via the Petřín Funicular (included in transport pass) to Újezd. Find a tavern in Malá Strana for Pilsner Urquell.

Transport: Tram 22 uphill; walking and funicular downhill. Walking load: 7km. Sequence logic: Starting at the top of the hill and walking down saves energy while hitting the castle before the largest afternoon tour groups arrive.

Day 3: Malá Strana and Charles Bridge

Morning: Visit St. Nicholas Church (Malostranské náměstí), then walk 5 minutes to the Wallenstein Garden (free entry, open April–October).

Afternoon: Walk 10 minutes to the Kampa Museum of modern art, then cross the Charles Bridge (Karlův most) towards the Old Town side. Climb the Old Town Bridge Tower (190 CZK) for a view of the bridge arches.

Evening: Take a tram to the National Theatre area. Walk along the Náplavka embankment for river views.

Transport: Trams 12, 15, or 20 to Malostranské náměstí. Walking load: 5-6km. Sequence logic: Focusing on the Lesser Town (Malá Strana) prevents back-and-forth crossing of the river.

Day 4: Day Trip to Kutná Hora

Morning: Take a train from Praha Hlavní Nádraží (Main Station) to Kutná Hora hl.n. (approx. 1 hour). Walk or take a local shuttle to the Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church).

Afternoon: Head to the town center to visit St. Barbara’s Cathedral and the Hrádek Silver Mine. Total entry fees for major sites are approximately 500 CZK.

Evening: Return to Prague by train. Eat at a bistro in the Vinohrady district near the station.

Transport: ČD Train (approx. 200 CZK return). Walking load: 8km. Sequence logic: Kutná Hora is the most accessible UNESCO site outside Prague, providing a break from the city crowds.

Day 5: New Town and Vyšehrad

Morning: Visit Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) and the National Museum (400 CZK). Walk to the Dancing House (Tančící dům) along the river.

Afternoon: Take Tram 17 or 2 to the Výtoň stop. Walk up to the Vyšehrad fortress. Visit the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul and the Vyšehrad Cemetery, where composer Antonín Dvořák is buried.

Evening: Stay in Vyšehrad for sunset at the ramparts, then dine in the Podolí neighbourhood.

Transport: Metro Line A/C and Trams 17, 3. Walking load: 9km. Sequence logic: This route moves from the commercial center of New Town to the quieter, legendary birthplace of the city.

Day 6: Day Trip to Karlštejn Castle

Morning: Take the S7 suburban train from Praha hl.n. or Smíchov to Karlštejn (40 minutes). Walk 25 minutes uphill to the castle.

Afternoon: Take the 'Chapel of the Holy Cross' tour (requires booking weeks in advance). Alternatively, hike the forest trails surrounding the castle.

Evening: Return to Prague. Visit a jazz club like Reduta or Agharta in the Old Town.

Transport: S-link train (approx. 120 CZK return). Walking load: 6km (steep incline). Sequence logic: Karlštejn offers a different architectural style (Gothic fortress) compared to the urban palaces of Prague.

Day 7: Letná Park and Holešovice

Morning: Take Tram 17 to Čechův most and walk up the stairs to Letná Park. Visit the Metronome for views of the Vltava bridges.

Afternoon: Walk 20 minutes through the park to the National Technical Museum or the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art in Holešovice.

Evening: Final dinner in the trendy Letná district near Milady Horákové street.

Transport: Tram 1, 8, 12, 25. Walking load: 7km. Sequence logic: This area is popular with locals, providing a relaxed atmosphere for the final day away from the primary tourist trail.

Estimated costs

Prices are estimates. Check official sites for current rates before travel.

Reservations to book ahead

• Karlštejn Castle: Specifically the 'Tour 2' including the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It sells out weeks in advance.
• National Theatre: If planning to see a ballet or opera, book 2 months ahead for best seats.
• Strahov Library: Guided tours of the interior (rather than looking through the door) require email booking.
• Popular Restaurants: Places like Eska or La Degustation require tables 1-2 weeks in advance.

Common mistakes

• Taking street taxis: Always use apps like Bolt or Uber, or call a reputable company like AAA Taxi. Street hailing often leads to overcharging.
• Not validating tickets: If using a paper transport ticket, you must stamp it in the yellow machines upon first use. Failure to do so results in a 1,000 CZK fine.
• Currency exchange at the airport: Exchange rates at the airport and in Old Town kiosks marked '0% Commission' are often poor. Use bank ATMs or the 'Exchange' office on Kaprova street.
• Buying Trdelník as 'traditional': This pastry is marketed as ancient Czech heritage but became popular recently for tourists. Try a 'Větrník' (cream puff) from a local cukrárna instead.

Plan your trip

Journey Planner uses this itinerary to build your custom schedule, integrating live weather forecasts to swap outdoor park days with museum visits. It calculates precise walking distances between venues like the Jewish Museum and the Municipal House, providing real-time tram schedules for the 22 and 17 lines. You will receive a consolidated packing list based on Prague’s seasonal variations and a budget tracker to manage your CZK spending.